I.
Introduction
A. Background
B. Methodology
II. Executive Summary
III. Detailed Findings
A. Registered Voters
B. Voting in the November General Election
C. Time of Voting
D. Voting by Mail or Absentee Ballot
E. Voting at the Polls
1.
Reasons for Voting via this Method
2.
Method of Voting at the Polls
F. Accessible Voting Machines
1.
Offered/Requested Machine
2.
Problems on Arrival
3.
Poll Workers Offering Instructions
4.
Problems while Voting
5.
Casting a Secret Ballot
G. Satisfaction with Voting Experience
1.
Opinion of Aspects of the Experience
2.
Overall Satisfaction
H. Suggested Improvements
I.
First Experience
J. Future Plans
K. Training on Accessible Voting Machines
L. Reading Braille
M. Respondent Demographics
IV. Appendix
A. Verbatim Suggested Improvements
B. Telephone Questionnaire
22
23
24
25
26
19
20
21
14
15
16
17
18
10
11
8
9
12
13
30
39
3
3
4
2

Background
In support of the Help Americans Vote Act, the National Federation of the Blind has in the past been awarded grants that have allowed it to test and evaluate voting machines for use by blind or visually impaired voters and to develop training curricula for polling place workers. Currently, the organization seeks to understand the actual experience of voters in the blind community. In support of this objective, it commissioned a survey to be conducted with legally blind voters subsequent to the 2008 presidential election.
Methodology
Between November 6 th and 17 th , 2008, 994 households on a list supplied by the National Federation of the Blind were contacted and screened for inclusion in a telephone survey. Of these, 581 indicated there is a household member age 18 or older who cannot read regular print such as newspapers at a normal reading distance even with their best corrected vision and 566 of these individuals were able and willing to speak with an interviewer, of which
560 were confirmed to be legally blind and were interviewed. It should be noted that 38 households had multiple qualified participants and 9 surveys were done by a surrogate.
Data from the telephone interviews were captured utilizing Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing software.
Upon completion of interviewing, the data was cleaned and responses to open ended questions were reviewed and classified by category. Cross-tabulations of the data were prepared showing replies to all questions for the entire sample, as well as by multiple sub-groups. Since the cross-tabulations contain more information than can be readily assimilated, it should be regarded as the database for the study, of which this report is a summary. The crosstabulations follow the sequence of the questionnaire, which was designed for ease of replying, but this is not necessarily the most logical order for the topics in the report. Therefore, a copy of the questionnaire is appended and tables and graphs in the report indicate a question number in the questionnaire to facilitate reference to the source.
3

 Almost all (94%) of the legally blind individuals interviewed in this study said they are registered voters and nearly all of these registered voters (96%) voted in the November, 2008 election.

They were about equally likely to have voted on November 4 th (48%) as to have voted at an earlier time (52%).

Just over a third (38%) voted by mail or absentee ballot, while nearly two-thirds (62%) voted at the polls.
 Voting via mail or absentee ballot was more popular among those age 65+ (49%), with a high school education or less (47%), non-Braille readers (47%) and those living in states with a population of 10 million or more (50%).*
 Voting at the polls was the predominant method among those under age 54 (72%), those with a college education (64%), Braille-readers (68%) and those living in states with a population under 10 million (67%).*

Half (51%) of the blind voters who cast their ballot at a polling place did so independent of assistance, while more than a third (39%) relied on the assistance of a family member or friend, nearly a tenth (9%) required the assistance of a poll judge and a few (1%) used a paper ballot and/or magnifying glass.
 Those most likely to have cast their vote without assistance have a college education (57% vs. 33% of those less educated), are employed (65% vs. 44% who are not employed), can read Braille (59% vs. 36% of those who cannot read Braille) or live in a state with a population under 1 million (66% vs. 48% of those living in a state with a greater population).*

Just under two-thirds (63%) who cast their vote at the polls said they requested or were offered the use of an accessible voting machine.
 Most said the voting machine was up and running upon their arrival (87%) and the poll workers had no problems setting up or activating the machine (81%).
 Among the nearly 1 in 5 (19%) who said poll workers had problems setting up or activating an accessible voting machine, the most frequent issues were not knowing how to activate the audio ballot or not knowing how to operate the machine.
 A third (33%) said a poll worker offered them clear instructions on how to use the accessible voting machine; 16% said they were offered no instructions and 51% said they did not need such information.
 Most (92%) who were offered instructions said they were just right, rather than too simplistic (3%) or too complicated (5%).
*Differences quoted are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test 4

 A majority (87%) who cast their vote using an accessible voting machine experienced no problems with the machine; the 13% who did encounter problems most often said the workers were not trained and did not know how to operate the machine, the machine was not set up, they could not adjust the audio speed or the audio did not work.
 A majority (86%) who used an accessible voting machine were able to cast a secret ballot; the 14% who could not most often said workers couldn’t operate machines, there were no working machines available or they felt more comfortable with assistance.
 Blind voters appear to have felt they were treated well by poll workers as nearly all felt they were treated with respect (94%), they were treated with the same dignity as other voters (91%) and they were given the same privacy as other voters (85%). In addition, most felt they were not rushed (94%), poll workers did not make them feel like they were a bother (92%), they were not treated like they lacked the capacity to vote (90%) and they were not treated as if they were incapable of voting independently (89%).
 Including those who voted by mail and in-person at the polls, 89% were satisfied with their overall experience, so it is not surprising that a majority (61%) offered no suggestion regarding ways to improve the experience. The most frequent suggestions were to make accessible voting machines available (6%), educate or train poll workers (5%), be sure accessible voting machines are set up and working properly (4%), provide larger print or magnification (4%) and make it possible for blind voters to cast an independent and private vote (4%).
 The November 2008 election was the first experience of just 6% overall (but 50% of those under the age of 25).
Those with previous experience generally said this voting experience was either the same (60%) or better (33%) than previous experiences; few (7%) said it was worse.

Given their experience, all but one (99.8%) said they would vote again and most (77%) would use the same method to vote.
The 17% who said they plan to use a different method most often said they would vote independently at the polls with an accessible machine next time.

More than two-thirds (69%) said they had never attended any training on using accessible voting machines and more than a third (40%) of these individuals said they would be interested in getting such training.
 Within the group with no previous training, those most interested in receiving training are those who were less than satisfied with their most recent voting experience (72%) and individuals under the age of 25
(62%).*
*Differences quoted are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test 5

 More than half (59%) of the individuals interviewed in this study can read Braille.
 The likelihood of being able to do so is higher among those who are younger (81% under age 25), the more educated (73% with postgraduate education), those with an income above $50,000 (65%) and the employed (68%).*
 Younger individuals learned Braille at an earlier age – average age of 7 among those under age 25 and average age of 10 among those 25 to 34, but age 20 or older among those currently age 35 or older.*

Study respondents tended to be mature (median age of 58), predominantly Caucasian (76%) and educated
(74% have at least some college or technical school). About 1 in 5 (21%) are employed full time; more than a third (37%) are retired. The median annual household income is $34.4k and there were somewhat more female
(55%) than male (45%) study respondents.
 Those who voted by mail tend to be older (42% of these voters are age 65+) and are more likely to be retired (51%).*


African Americans were far more likely to vote at the polls (71%) rather than by mail (29%).*
Those who were less than satisfied with their overall voting experience were more likely to be female
(62%) than male (38%).*
Conclusions:

NFB evaluation of voting machines and training of workers appears to have paid off, as most legally blind voters interviewed had a good experience voting in the November 2008 election and practically everyone plans to continue to vote in the future.

Even with this very positive report card of the voting experience, there are still some clear areas for improvement considering that 1 in 10 who voted at the polls said an accessible voting machine was not available for them and nearly 1 in 5 who did attempt to use an accessible voting machine said poll workers had problems setting up or activating the machine (especially activating the audio ballot, which was the manner in which a great majority chose to use the machine).

Along with additional training for poll workers, there also appears to be a desire for training among potential users of accessible voting machines as more than a quarter of those interviewed said they would be interested in such a training session. Interest in training is highest among those who are younger, non-Caucasian or who live in more densely populated states.

Being able to read Braille is clearly a key to independence as respondents who can read Braille reported a better, more independent experience in this study. In addition, Braille readers are more likely to be employed, have an income over $50,00 and a post graduate education.
*Differences quoted are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test 6

7

Registered Voters
 Nearly all (94%) of the legally blind individuals interviewed in this study said they are registered voters.
 The small group who are not registered most often said their visual impairment, not getting around to it, or having multiple disabilities affected the decision not to register, although lack of information (not being sure how to register or lacking sufficient material) was also mentioned.
Are you registered to vote?
Yes, 94%
No, 6%
(n =557 legally blind respondents) Q. 6
Issues that Affected the Decision not to Register*
Visual impairment
No reason/just never registered
Multiple disabilities
Wasn’t sure where or how to register
Lack of required documentation material
Not interested in politics
Lack of access to voting materials/candidate information for the visually impaired
34%
28%
25%
19%
16%
16%
13%
Registration process is too difficult
Unable to vote (religion, not a citizen, felon)
Confined to home or bed
Didn’t know who to vote for
Transportation issues
Lack of privacy
(# of respondents)
*among those who did not register to vote
13%
13%
9%
6%
3%
3%
(32)
Q.7-8b
8

Voting in the November General Election
 Nearly all (96%) of the legally blind registered voters interviewed in this study attempted to vote in the
November 2008 general election.
 The small group who did not attempt to vote most often said they were not interested, had a transportation issue, were out of town or were ill on election day.
Did you attempt to vote in
November’s general election?
Yes, 96%
No, 4%
(n =525 registered voters) Q. 9
Issues that Affected the Decision not to Vote*
No interest/didn’t like candidates
Transportation issues
Out of town on election day
Illness on election day
Confined to home or bed
Multiple disabilities
Discouraged by previous experience attempting to vote
Not registered where I currently live
6
3
2
5
4
2
2
2
Religious reasons
Did not vote in primary, so though was not allowed
Did not want to be called for jury duty
No time
Didn’t get the voting slip
Cab driver did not allow seeing eye dog
(# of respondents)
*among registered voters who did not attempt to vote
(22)
Q.10-11b
1
1
1
1
1
1
9

Time of Voting
 Blind voters were about equally likely to have cast their ballot on November 4 th (48%) as to have voted at an earlier time (52%).
 Middle aged voters and those with higher incomes were particularly likely to have voted on
November 4 th .*
 Although most who voted at the polls cast their ballots on November 4 th , a significant proportion took advantage of the opportunity to vote in-person at an earlier time.*
52%
48%
Total
(n) (501)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45%
55%
<34
(58)
38%
62%
55%
45%
64%
36%
35 - 54
(131)
Age
55 - 64
(144)
65+
(165)
Voted on November 4th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53%
47%
59%
41%
Voted earlier
46%
54%
<$25k $25 - $50k
(137)
Household Income
(118)
$50k+
(121)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95%
5%
26%
74%
Mail At polls
(190)
How Voted
(311)
Q.16
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
10

Voting by Mail or Absentee Ballot
 Overall, a third of the blind voters interviewed voted by mail or absentee ballot and all but one who attempted to vote via this method was successful.
 Those who voted via mail or absentee ballot tended to be older, less educated, unable to read Braille or living in a densely populated state.*
 Those who chose to vote by mail or absentee ballot most often said they chose this method because it is easier, although 1 in 7 said it was because they were unable to get to their polling place.
Reasons for Voting via this Method
Easier
Can’t get to the polling place
Wanted to take my time/not be rushed
Wanted to do it in the comfort of my home
Home-bound
Physically disabled
Previous unsatisfactory experience at poll
Out of town/away at college
State only has a mail option
Wanted to use my CCTV
Have multiple disabilities
In order to vote in private
Other
Q.12b (# of respondents)
3%
2%
2%
1%
3%
(192)
59%
14%
8%
6%
5%
5%
5%
4%
38%
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(n) (503)
28%
< 45
(101)
28%
40%
45-54
Age
55-64
(90) (144)
49%
65+
(165)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47%
36%
34%
|
|
|
|
|
| HS or less College Postgrad
Education
(120) (261) (117)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32%
Yes
47%
No
Reads Braille
(300) (203)
50%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33%
<10 mil.
10+ mil.
State Population
(343) (160)
Q.12a
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
11

Voting at the Polls
Reasons for Voting via this Method
Easier
Always vote this way
In order to use an accessible voting machine
Wanted it to be secret/independent
To vote like everyone else
To experience the atmosphere/process
Ballot didn’t come/requested it too late
Don’t trust absentee ballot/not counted
Other
Q.14b
(# of respondents)
4%
3%
2%
(311)
28%
24%
17%
11%
10%
6%
62%
Total
(n) (503)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72%
< 45
(101)
72%
60%
45-54 55-64
(90)
Age
(144)
 Nearly two-thirds of the blind voters interviewed said they voted at the polls and all who attempted to vote via this method were able to cast their ballot.
 Those who voted at the polls tended to be younger, more educated, able to read Braille or living in less populated states.*
 Those who chose to vote at the polls most often said they chose this method because it is easier, they always vote using this method, they wanted to use an accessible voting machine, they wanted their ballot to be private or they wanted to vote like everyone else.
 Older individuals (26% age 45+) and the more affluent
(30% with an income of $50k+) were particularly likely to say they chose to vote at the polls because this is the manner in which they always vote.*
51%
65+
(165)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53%
64%
|
|
|
|
|
HS or less College
(120)
Education
(261)
66%
Postgrad
(117)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68%
53%
Yes No
Reads Braille
(300) (203)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67%
<10 mil.
50%
10+ mil.
State Population
(343) (160)
Q.14a
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
12

Voting at the Polls
 About half of the blind voters who cast their ballot at a polling place were able to do so independent of assistance from any individual. In addition, just over a third relied on the assistance of a family member or friend and about 1 in 11 relied on the help of a poll judge.
 Those most likely to have cast their vote independent of others were more educated, employed, able to read Braille or live in a state that is not densely populated.*
 Less educated, not employed or non-Braille readers most often relied on a family member or friend for assistance to cast their ballot.*
1%
9%
39%
51%
Total
(n) (309)
| 1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22%
45%
7%
35%
57%
33%
|
|
|
|
High school College
Education
(64) (165)
4%
40%
56%
Postgrad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77)
7%
28%
65%
Yes
Employed
(111)
11%
1%
44%
44%
No
(195)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8%
32%
1%
59%
Yes
Read Braille
(202)
1%
12%
51%
36%
No
(107)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6%
28%
66%
<1 mil.
(47)
1%
10%
41%
48%
>1 mil.
State Population
(262)
With paper ballot or magnifying glass
With poll judge assistance
With assistance of family member/friend
Independently
Q.26
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
13

Accessible Voting Machines
Reasons not Offered/Requested
Brought family member/friend to assist
No accessible machine was available
Didn’t feel I needed one
Wasn’t aware of them
Don’t know how to operate a voting machine
Lines were too long/was in a hurry
Other
Don’t know
Q.17b
(# of respondents)
12%
10%
6%
2%
1%
1%
3%
1%
(308)
 Just under two-thirds of blind voters said they requested or were offered the use of an accessible voting machine.
 Those who are working, more educated, Braille readers or men were more likely to have had the opportunity to use such a machine.*
 More than a third (37%) did not have an accessible voting machine made available to them. While many said they brought someone to assist them (12%) or didn’t feel they needed to use an accessible voting machine (6%), others said no accessible machine was available (10%), they were not aware of the machines (2%) or they did not know how to operate the machine
(1%).
63%
Total
(n) (308)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54%
HS or less
(63)
63%
College
Education
(166)
71%
Postgrad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76)
70%
`1
59%
Yes No
(111)
Employed
194)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71%
47%
Yes No
Reads Braille
(202) (106)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70%
57%
Male
Gender
Female
(137) (171)
Q.17a
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
14

Accessible Voting Machines
 A majority said an accessible voting machine was up and running when they arrived at the polling place.
 On average, voters had to wait 15 to 16 minutes for an accessible machine if one was not up and running prior to their arrival.
 About 1 in 5 said poll workers had trouble setting up or activating an accessible voting machine – most often indicating the individual did not know how to activate the audio ballot or did not know how to operate the machine.
Was accessible voting machine up & running on arrival?
Yes, 87%
No, 13%
Q.18
(n = 191 offered/requested machine)
Did poll workers have problems setting up or activating an accessible voting machine?
No, 81%
Q.20a
(n = 187 offered/requested machine)
Yes, 19%
Difficulty Poll Worker Encountered
Didn’t know how to activate audio ballot
Didn’t know how to operate machine
Didn’t know how to turn on machine
Couldn’t find headset
Other
Don’t know
Q.20b (# of respondents)
58%
22%
8%
3%
6%
8%
(36)
15

Accessible Voting Machines
 Although only a third said a poll worker offered them clear instructions on how to use the accessible voting machine, more than half said they needed no such information.
Just right,
92%
 Younger, less educated, lower income individuals or those living in more highly populated states were more likely than others to have been offered instructions.*
(n = 59 given instructions)
Q.22
51%
16%
33%
Total
(n) (187)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10%
20%
70%
18 - 24
Age
54%
15%
31%
25+
(10) (176)
Too simplistic,
3%
Too complicated
5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38%
15%
47%
High school
(34)
 Nearly everyone who was given instructions on how to use an accessible voting machine felt these instructions were just right rather than too complicated or too simplistic.
53%
14%
33%
57%
20%
23%
College Postgrad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Education
(101) (51)
43%
13%
44%
<$25k $25 - $50k $50k+
(54)
50%
20%
30%
60%
18%
22%
Household Income
(40) (55)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61%
12%
27%
50%
19%
31%
43%
14%
43%
< 4 mil.
4 - 9 mil.
10+ mil.
State Population
(51) (85) (51)
Q.21
Yes No Didn't need
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
16

Accessible Voting Machines
 Most (87%) of the voters who used an accessible voting machine to cast their vote did not encounter any issues with the machine.
 The 13% who did encounter problems most often said the workers were untrained and didn’t know how to operate the machine or the machine was not set up. A few also said they had problems with the audio – either adjusting it or getting it to work at all.
Yes, 13%
Did you experience any problems with the accessible voting machine while casting your vote?
No, 87%
(n =189 offered/req. machine) Q.23a
Workers did not know how to operate/not trained
Machine wasn’t set up
Couldn’t adjust audio speed
Audio would not work
Couldn’t change selections
Problems Encountered*
5
4
3
3
1
Couldn’t review selections
Unable to adjust volume
Other
(# of respondents)
1
1
8
(25)
Q.23b
17

Accessible Voting Machines
 A majority of those who wished to were able to cast a secret ballot using an accessible voting machine. Those who were not able to most often said the workers could not operate the machine, there were no working accessible machines or they felt more comfortable being assisted by someone.
 Those who were able to cast a secret ballot using an accessible voting machine most often relied on the audio/non-visual option rather than large or regular print.
Audio/non-visual
Large print
Regular print
Had a family member/friend assist
(# of respondents)
Q.25
85%
8%
6%
1%
(159)
Yes
86%
No
14%
Q.24a
n = 188 offered/requested machine
Workers couldn’t operate machine
There were no working accessible machines
Felt more comfortable with assistance
Didn’t need it
Takes too long
Machine was not in a private area
Other
(# of respondents)
Q.24b
27%
23%
15%
12%
8%
4%
15%
(26)
18

Satisfaction with Voting Experience
 A majority of those who voted at the polls were very positive in their opinion how they were treated by poll workers.


Braille readers were particularly unlikely to feel as though poll workers made them feel like they were a bother (95% disagreed versus 87% of non-Braille readers).*
Those age 55 and over were particularly likely to feel that they were treated with the same dignity as other voters (97% vs. 85% under age 45).*
94% 94% 92%
91% 90% 89%
85%
Strongly agree
Very strongly agree
Q.27a-g
62%
63%
64%
60%
60%
62%
57%
32% 31% 28% 31% 30%
27% 28%
(n)
I was treated with respect
(309)
I was NOT rushed*
(309)
Poll workers did NOT make me feel like I was a bother*
I was treated with the same dignity as other voters
I was NOT treated like I lacked the capacity to vote*
I was NOT treated as if
I was incapable of voting independently*
I was given the same privacy as other voters
(305)
(308) (307)
*scales reversed & shown in the affirmative for clarity of reporting
(305) (307)
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
19

Satisfaction with Voting Experience
 Taking into account those who voted via mail or absentee ballot, as well as those who voted at the polls, 89% (including 71% who said they were very satisfied plus 18% who said they were satisfied) were satisfied with the overall voting experience.
 There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction between those who voted by mail or absentee ballot (91% satisfied) and those who voted at the polls (89% satisfied).
Overall Satisfaction with
Very satisfied
71%
Experience
(n = 501 who voted)
Satisfied
18%
Q.28
Very dissatisfied
3%
Dissatisfied
5%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
3%
 The 11% who were neutral or dissatisfied relayed some difficulty:


71% (10 out of 14) of these individuals who attempted to vote at the polls via an accessible voting machine said they experienced problems with the machines. These issues ranged from audio not working to workers being untrained or machines not being set up.
79% (11 out of 14) said they were unable to cast a secret ballot on an accessible voting machine – most often because workers couldn’t operate the machine or because there were no working machines available.
 Whereas 54% of those who were satisfied with their experience voting at the polls were able to vote independently, just 24% (8 out of 34) of those who were neutral or dissatisfied with the experience were able to vote independently at the polls; most (20 out of 34) required the assistance of a family member or friend.
 Not having an accessible machine translated into poor opinions of how they were treated by poll workers, as only 41% of the neutral and dissatisfied felt they were treated as if they were capable of voting independently, just 50% felt they were given the same privacy as other voters, and only 67% felt they were treated with the same dignity as other voters.
20

Suggested Improvements
 Overall, 61% (including 66% of those who were satisfied with their experience, but only 14% of those who were neutral or dissatisfied) had no suggestion to improve their voting experience.
 The most frequent suggestion – especially among those who were less than satisfied – was to be sure to have accessible voting machines available for their use.
 Other frequent suggestions included training poll workers, having accessible voting machines set up and working properly, providing larger print or magnification and making it possible for legally blind voters to be able to cast independent and private votes.
See appendix for verbatim comments
Have accessible voting machines
Educate/train poll workers
Have accessible voting machines set up & working properly
Larger print/magnification
Be able to cast independent/private vote
More information prior to election on candidates, issues, sample ballots
Braille ballots
Shorter wait for accessible machine/quicker process using machine
Adjust speed on machine
Vote from home on PC
Shorter wait time in general
Vote at polls like other voters
Early voting
CCTV available
Be treated like everyone else
Quieter area for accessible machines
Other
Nothing
Don’t know
(# of respondents)
Total
6%
5%
4%
4%
4%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
*
6%
1%
1%
1%
1%
39%
22%
(503)
*< .5% among registered voters
Satisfied with Voting
Experience
4%
5%
3%
4%
3%
2%
2%
1%
1%
*
*
*
5%
1%
1%
1%
1%
43%
23%
(449)
2%
0%
0%
0%
2%
2%
0%
12%
2%
0%
2%
2%
4%
10%
(52)
Q.29
Neutral/
Dissatisfied with Voting
Experience
25%
12%
14%
4%
10%
21

First Experience
 For 6%, the November general election was their first experience voting.
 More than half under the age of 25 voted for the first time in the November election.
 For the 94% with previous voting experience, most (60%) said their most recent experience was no different from previous experiences and a third (33%) said their November experience was better; just 7% said it was worse.
50%
97%
Better, 33%
Same, 60%
No
Yes
Q.30
6%
(n)
Total
(502)
50%
< Age 25
(32)
3%
Age 25+
(467)
Worse, 7%
(n = 462 with previous experience) Q.31
22

Future Plans
 All but one (a mail voter) of those who voted in the November election said that, given their experience, they will vote again.
 A majority (77%) said they anticipate using the same method they used in the November election when they vote in the future; 17% said they will try something different – most often planning to vote independently at the poll using an accessible voting machine.
Given your experience, will you vote again?
Yes, 99.8%
No, 0.2%
Q.32
(n = 499 voters)
What method will you use when you vote again?
Same, 77%
Different,
17%
Q.33b
(n = 498 who will vote again)
Don't know,
6%
Different Method Plan to Use
Independently at poll with accessible machine
By mail
At poll with assistance of judges
Audio accessible voting machine
Other
Don’t know
Q.33b (# of respondents)
64%
16%
7%
6%
4%
5%
(84)
23

Training on Accessible Voting Machines
 Less than a third (31%) said they have ever attended any training on using accessible voting machines. Those more likely to have received such training include:
Yes, 31%
(n = 549)
Q.34
No, 69%
 Individuals who voted at the polls (37% vs. 27% who voted by mail, those over age 25 (33% vs. 12% of younger individuals), the college-educated (36% vs. 19% of those less educated), those with an income above $50,000 per year (43% vs. 30% of the less affluent), those who were satisfied with their experience in the November election (35% vs. 16% of others) and those who can read Braille (39% vs. 21% of non-Braille readers).*
 Of the 69% who have never received any training on an accessible voting machine, more than a third (40%) said they would be interested in receiving such training – particularly, younger, non-
Caucasian voters in more highly populated states and those who were less than satisfied with their experience in November, 2008.
This translates to 27% of all the individuals interviewed indicating interest in training.
40%
Total
(n) (376)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62%
<25
(37)
45%
25 - 64
Age
(211)
24%
65+
(123)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37%
Caucasian
52%
Non-
Caucasian
Ethnicity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35%
Satisfied
72%
Neutral/
Dissatisfied
Satisfaction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(276) (90) (288) (39)
25%
<4 mil.
(87)
39%
4 - 5 mil.
State Population
(84)
46%
6+ mil.
(205)
Q.35
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
24

Reading Braille
 More than half (59%) of study respondents can read Braille, including 60% of those who voted and 48% of those who did not.
 Younger people are more likely to be able to read Braille.*
 Braille readers are more likely to have a post graduate education, be employed, and have an income over $50,000. They are also more likely to have voted at the polls.*
 On average, study respondents learned to read Braille at age 19.
 Those under age 35 were particularly likely to have learned at a young age.*
5 years old or less
Between 6 and 10 years old
Between 11 and 29 years old
30+ years old
Mean Age
59%
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81%
70%
60%
18 - 24 25 - 44 45 - 64
Age
45%
65+
(n) (557) (42) (88) (247) (175)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49%
HS or less
(146)
Q.37 (# of respondents)
57%
73%
|
|
|
|
|
|
68%
54%
|
|
|
|
College Postgrad | Yes
Education
|
|
No
Employed
(284) (120) (182) (369)
Total
20%
30%
24%
26%
19
(322)
18-
24
25-
34
35-
54
55-
64
44% 36% 17% 18% 10%
35% 32% 21% 34% 32%
21% 32% 31% 15% 27%
0%
7
(34)
Age of Respondent
0%
10
(25)
31% 33% 31%
20
(94)
22
(91)
65+
23
(78)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56%
65%
<$50k $50k+
Hhld. Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50%
Mail
66%
At Poll
Method of Voting
(288) (131) (192) (311) Q.36
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
25

 Non-voters tend to be younger, less educated and are more likely to be Latino than voters.*
 More than a third of those who voted by mail were age 65 or older, although this age group was equally likely to have voted by mail (49%) as at the polls (51%).*
 One in five who voted at the polls were African
American and this ethnic group was more than twice as likely to vote at the polls as by mail (71% vs. 29%).*
 Nearly threequarters of the voters interviewed have at least some college credits.*
Q.38, 39, 40
Respondent Demographics
Total No
Voted
Yes
Method of Voting
By Mail At the Polls
Overall Satisfaction with
Voting Experience
Satisfied
Neutral/
Dissatisfied
Age:
18 to 24 years 8% 17% 7% 6% 7% 7%
25 to 34 years
35 to 44 years
45 to 54 years
55 to 64 years
65 or older
(# of respondents)
Median Age
Ethnicity:
Caucasian
Black or African American
Asian
Latino
Multi-racial
Other
(# of respondents)
Education:
Less than high school
High school graduate
Some college/technical school
Bachelors degree
Masters degree
76%
16%
2%
3%
2%
1%
(538)
7%
9%
17%
27%
32%
(552)
58
6%
20%
30%
22%
15%
66%
17%
6%
9%
0%
2%
(53)
21%
17%
12%
14%
19%
(52)
42
21%
29%
36%
8%
4%
77%
16%
2%
2%
2%
1%
(485)
5%
8%
18%
29%
33%
(500)
59
4%
20%
29%
23%
17%
80%
12%
3%
3%
1%
1%
(186)
4%
5%
13%
30%
42%
(191)
62
7%
22%
28%
22%
13%
75%
18%
1%
2%
2%
2%
(299)
6%
11%
21%
28%
27%
(309)
57
3%
18%
30%
24%
19%
5%
8%
17%
30%
33%
(448)
59
5%
20%
27%
24%
17%
Post graduate 7% 2% 7% 8% 6% 7%
(# of respondents) (550) (52) (498) (190) (308)
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
(446)
77%
17%
2%
2%
1%
1%
(434)
78%
10%
2%
2%
4%
4%
(49)
4%
12%
45%
19%
14%
6%
(51)
26
6%
6%
10%
26%
22%
30%
(50)
56

Respondent Demographics
 Non-voters are more likely than voters to be unemployed due to a disability and on average, have lower household incomes than voters.*
 Just over 1 in 5 of those interviewed are employed full-time; more than a third are retired.*

More than half of those who voted by mail are retired compared to just under a third who voted at the polls.*
 The median annual household income of those interviewed was
$34.4k.

Those who were less than satisfied with their overall voting experience were more likely to be female
(62%) than male
(38%).*
Q.41, 42, 44
Voted
Total
Employment:
Employed full time
Employed part time
Retired
Not employed/disabled
Unemployed/looking for work
Unemployed/student
(# of respondents)
Annual Household Income:
Under $15,000
$15,000 - $25,000
$25,000 - $35,000
$35,000 - $50,000
$50,000 - $75,000
$75,000 - $100,000
$100,000 or more
Median Income
(# of respondents)
Gender:
Female
Male
(# of respondents)
22%
16%
13%
18%
15%
8%
8%
$34.4k
(419)
55%
45%
(557)
21%
12%
37%
16%
8%
6%
(551)
No
15%
13%
17%
34%
13%
8%
(53)
30%
21%
19%
7%
9%
12%
2%
$24.4k
(43)
21%
16%
12%
19%
16%
7%
9%
$36.0k
(376)
46%
54%
(54)
Yes
45%
55%
(503)
22%
11%
39%
14%
8%
6%
(498)
Method of Voting
By Mail
At the
Polls
Overall Satisfaction with
Voting Experience
Satisfied
Neutral/
Dissatisfied
18%
11%
51%
11%
3%
6%
(190)
19%
18%
12%
24%
13%
7%
7%
$35.7k
(137)
55%
45%
(192)
24%
12%
31%
16%
11%
6%
(308)
21%
15%
12%
17%
18%
7%
10%
$36.3k
(239)
56%
44%
(311)
23%
11%
40%
13%
7%
6%
(446)
20%
17%
12%
18%
16%
7%
10%
$35.9k
(334)
55%
45%
(449)
16%
18%
33%
17%
10%
6%
(51)
62%
38%
(52)
22%
10%
15%
27%
19%
5%
2%
$37.0k
(41)
*Differences are statistically significant at the 95% level based on an independent Z-Test
27

State of Residence
 Residents of 49 states were interviewed as part of this study.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
36
10
4
8
11
10
5
5
40
24
9
4
1
4
2
17
9
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
8
17
4
6
5
31
16
18
11
16
6
10
3
16
3
10
31
Ohio
Okalahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
3
2
(# of respondents) (557)
8
1
13
12
6
2
24
4
7
10
27
4
6
18
28

29

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
A Braille mail in ballot. I could vote independently and secretly, and not stand in line for hours.
A large print ballot.
Absentee ballot should be done in Braille.
Accessible voting machine.
Accessible voting machines.
After you cast your ballot you had to take it across the room to drop it in a special box and that part I didn't like because anyone could see who you voted for.
Any accessible ways to vote, such as using a machine.
At first the poll workers were a little confused. They need more training. The poll workers offended my friend. They said, poor thing, she doesn't know.
Availability of audio non-visual machines.
Availability of large print ballot.
Ballot in large print.
Ballot should be read by the machine so this is one improvement. Is it necessary to plug and unplug the headphone set after each use or can it remain plugged in? Why must a slighted person use a machine designated for the visually impaired?
Ballots in Braille.
Being able to use the accessible voting machine.
Better access to a sample ballot in advance.
Better training of the poll workers and better working machine.
Better weather.
Bigger print on the ballot.
Can't think of anything.
Casting ballot independently over the internet with verification code.
Doing it myself.
Earlier ballot.
Faster accessible voting machines, machines that took less then 45 minutes.
Fine as was.
Flexibility of the voting machines.
For me being able to go to the polls and vote earlier and not have to wait in line.
30

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
For me having the machine stocked with paper for the fax part of it.
For me I would have liked to vote closer to the time when other people voted.
For me if my polling place had accessible voting machines.
For me if the accessible voting machine had been set up and running at the time.
For me if the machine would have printed.
For me if the polling place had more booths with magnifiers and better lighting.
For me if there were magnified ballots on the machines.
For me it would be knowledge. Keeping up with issues enabling me to make sound choices.
For me larger print on the ballot.
For me make the environment at the courthouse more private. I had to say my choices and other people could hear me.
For me maybe online with a screen reader or a way to really enlarge it on the computer.
For me only if McCain had won.
For me produce the absentee ballot in Braille or make a tape or disc.
For me the ability to use the accessible machine. None of the poll workers were trained to use them.
For me the poll workers knowledge of how to boot up the machine and to create the ballot is lacking a lot. The machines don't work the first time and I end up having to fix the problems just because I know more.
For me the poll workers need more education as to not waste time with the machines.
For me to have someone educated enough to teach me on the accessible voting machine because I could not cast my entire ballot.
For me to have someone there who could offer help on a machine set aside specifically for the disabled.
For the poll workers to have acknowledged me instead of the person that assisted me.
Get the auto mark voting machine with Braille.
Getting the machines up and running when we walked in there.
Going absentee, have an electronic pen or tap screen, enlarge the print but enclose booth.
Had the poll worker understood how to use the machine. Those machines must have cost millions and they don't know how to use them.
Have a cctv available.
Have the electronic narration be faster and have the poll judges gave me more privacy.
31

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
Having a chair while using a machine.
Having access to an accessible voting machine if it's available.
Having accessible equipment such cctv.
Having more voice prompts on voting machine.
Having the reader closer to ADA Device-American with disabilities acts is ADA.
I am satisfied with the absentee ballot.
I can't think of anything at this point.
I can't think of anything that would improve it.
I can't think of anything.
I didn't vote on all options, I did not see part of it. I guess I could have asked for help but I did not.
I feel more comfortable using the audio machine because I can do it independently and I would rather go to the polls than do an absentee ballot.
I have voted with a signature stamp all my life and now I am told I need a witness while I fill out the absentee ballot and then the witness must sign a verification and I don't think this is fair.
I need to pay more attention to the issues for my area to make it easier to make decisions.
I should have learned how to use the accessible voting machine.
I think for the individuals to mention that they had accommodations for me and that I would be comfortable in using them. I think the younger individuals who are assisting at the polls or providing the ballots appear to be more sensitive to our needs than the older persons who work the polls.
I think that the poll workers were talking too loud and I could not hear the machine because he was talking loud to someone else right next to me who had a problem with the machine.
I think they need to offer training for those who do not know about the accessible voting machines before voting day comes around.
I wanted to cast my vote in total privacy, but the poll worker tried to convince me to use my husband’s help and I had to keep telling her that I wanted privacy.
I wish I didn't have to have someone read the ballot to me.
I would have gone to the polls instead only because at this time my life was so hectic I could not find time to go.
I would have liked to do it privately.
I would just like to do it on my own. I would need to have the audio machine for that.
I would like a consistent volume level through the headphones.
I would like to have been able to use the regular machines.
I would like to have more privacy, maybe some curtains.
32

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
I would like to vote at home using my cctv reader.
I would like to vote independently.
I would rather have had the machine read it to me because having a human reader made it harder to understand what was on the ballot because of their reading speed.
If I can get everything in the mail I can take my time.
If I could be in line with the other voters instead of away from them.
If I could cast my vote independently or if they had a machine that worked. If you can't hear that good or see, how are you suppose to vote?
If I could do it independently but that is a personal problem for me.
If I could have gone to the polls.
If I could have stayed at home and voted on my computer.
If I could have used the accessible voting machines.
If I could have voted independently on the accessible machine like before it would have been better.
If I could have voted independently.
If I could of voted at the polls.
If I could see better; I found it difficult to read.
If I could vote from home.
If I could've seen a sample of the ballot online, I could've been better prepared to vote.
If I had a chance to vote independently, and the use of an accessible voting machine.
If I had a family member to help.
If I had been able to do it myself at the polls.
If I had been able to do it myself. I had a printed ballot and I had to have someone to help me.
If I had been treated with respect and to use the voter accessible machine.
If I had used the machine, it probably would have been quicker.
If I would have had the time to vote using the accessible voting machine.
If people had been properly instructed on dealing with visually impaired people.
If the accessible machine was available.
If the accessible machine was available.
33

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
If they would have offered me to use a machine, that would have been great. Also, if they can have a way where you can vote online so I could have some more privacy.
I'm grateful for the experience of voting.
I'm satisfied with my method.
Instead of listening to the computer, if it had been in Braille, I could have done it myself. It didn't work out for me.
It took too long to register.
It was ok because I had someone to read it to me .
It would have been nice had I been offered an audio accessible voting machine.
It would have been nice to be able to do it independently.
It would have been nice to find information in the newspaper or online on the constitutional amendments.
It would have been nice to have a more accessible machine. I did not see any accessible machines with an audio component but did not ask if there were any.
Judges having more training of equipment.
Judges need to know how to use accessible machine.
Just being able to do the mail-in ballot.
Larger print on the machine.
Larger print would have helped.
Larger print, more contrast.
Larger print.
Larger print.
Larger print.
Machine didn't work; I had to use a paper ballot.
Make questions on ballot more clear for everyone to understand.
Maybe getting our ballot sooner. I thought they could have sent it quicker after our application was in.
Maybe having a Braille instruction at the machine giving the machine layout.
Maybe if I voted earlier.
Maybe they could have some larger print.
More electronic voting machines that would have decreased the number of people in line.
34

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
If the accessible machine was working.
If the accessible voting machine was up and running.
If the accessible voting machines would have been working, that would have improved my experience.
If the audio phones that were to help me cast my vote were properly working.
If the machine had been working properly, but the people there were very apologetic that it was not working so it was ok.
If the machine was available, I would have used it.
If the machine was set up and ready to go.
If the pamphlet had been in large print.
If the poll workers knew how to work the accessible voting machines. Maybe they should have a course where blind people teach them how to use the machines.
If the poll workers knew how to work the machine.
If the poll workers were better educated on using the card with the audio system.
If the poll workers were better trained. They were not very familiar with it. If I had any problems, I would have felt more secure with someone more familiar.
If the print was a little larger.
If the voting machine would have changed to the next answer without having to hear it 3 times.
If the voting situation was more accommodating with color. That way, I could go in to the voting polls and vote independently.
If there had been an accessible machine and no long lines.
If there had been some accessible way that I could've done an absentee ballot instead of having one in print.
If there was an audio electronic device to assist in casting my vote privately.
If there was an internet site that would have the ballot measures that are going to be on the ballot and some explanation.
If the before-mentioned problems with the machine had not occurred. If the poll workers had been trained to use the machines. The poll workers said they had no experience -- that it was not in their training.
If they could've had the equipment so I could vote.
If they had anything on cassette; I don't read Braille.
If they had the accessible voting machines near me.
If they have the audio machines working when I get there because I don't want to get turned down and feel uncomfortable if they turn me down because the machine doesn't work.
35

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
More information on issues and not so much of who is running to be president.
More training needed for poll judges.
More voting machines.
My voting experience was excellent.
Need more information about the candidates I vote for.
Needed the correct machines for visually impaired.
No. But for someone else, they should make sure that the machines are working because I've heard a lot of complaints.
Not having to stand in line.
Nothing really, waiting for the audio for 5-10 minutes was just a minor glitch.
On this particular voting machine, the machine would have a series of blanks before you get to the next candidate -- you could hear the audio blanks. Also, in the middle of the ballot this occurred -- they say this is so it matches up with the print, but it is very time consuming to listen to. It would be better if this were left out.
Only if they let you know there was audio.
Poll worker didn't know how to operate accessible machine and the machine was too complicated.
Poll workers better trained in setting up the machine; I had to figure it out because they could not. Being able to cast the paper ballot that they printed out without anyone seeing it.
Poll workers were overly solicitous of me when I left the poll location. They kept asking how they could assist when it wasn't really necessary. I participated in the selection of the accessible voting machine that they finally selected (sequoia). They said they would provide CD quality video and it did not. Speech human speech sound was not as good of quality as others I had heard and suggested that they select. Repeated help instructions were not necessary throughout the voting process and only served to prolong the voting process.
Repetitive instructions on the audio accessible voting machine slowed down the voting process.
Shorter lines.
That the building be big enough.
The ability to keep my vote private just like everybody else.
The absentee ballot did not arrive in time. If I had not had my wife, I could not have gotten to the polls to vote.
The accessible voting machine or another way for me to vote privately.
The last time I voted at the polls, the accessible machines didn't work well. The volume was set too low and the instructions were given too fast. Others at my
NFB meeting had the same complaint.
36

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
The lines were extremely long in Florida; they have to come up with a system to move the lines faster. Simplify the amendments; they were very confusing and hard to understand.
The local measures should have been on the absentee ballot.
The machine would have been available and my vote would be anonymous.
The only thing that could have been better was if the voting machine itself had been in a slightly quieter area. It was a little difficult to hear occasionally.
The overall improvement of the treatment of the blind, the not knowing of what to do with a blind person voting.
The paper ballot should also accompany a magnification system when casting your vote.
The people should have had the machines set up as they did for people with vision. The poll workers lacked the ability to deal with the audio accessible voting system. It was good someone came with me because I had very little assistance. They would make comments like over there" not recognizing the fact that I am blind. I feel was treated with this lack of respect because they did not know how to use the machine. Knowing that Georgia has had the machines for at least 4 years, there should not have been any problems."
The person in charge did not want to give me the ballot because she thought I was using a touch screen voting system. It would be better if she was aware that we were using the paper ballot instead of assuming we were using touch screen.
The poll workers could have told me that the machine was not working and that it would take a certain amount of time before it was operable. I would have liked if they offered me the option to get an assistant or wait for the machine to be operable.
The polling place was confusing. They sent me to one table which was wrong and then to another table. They didn't have their act together.
The position of the machine. People could see my vote as they walked by. Maybe a screen? I think there was one previously.
The problem with the scanner. They could not scan it, so it will have to be read. Also, the volume on the phone was not adjusted enough for me. Poll worker was not familiar enough with the machine to quickly locate the volume control; however, both of us together were able to do.
The voting machines that should have been available for the blind.
There is no way to obtain information on issues; there is nothing in audio or in Braille. There is information on candidates, but nothing on issues or referendums. This should be addressed before the next election. Also, in regards to judges, there is not enough information about them.
There is nothing, it was fine.
There was a problem with the scanner so that the ballot had to be hand counted. When I finished, they had to call someone over to ask what to do with the ballot.
There were no accessible voting machines. I would like to have had them available.
They could put the ballots in larger print.
They did not tell me until I was finished voting that they had the accessible voting machines.
They didn't offer me one to use and the last time it was not working, so I just bring a friend with me to vote now.
37

Appendix: Verbatim Suggestions for Improvement
They had all the candidates, both democrats and republicans, mixed up on the machine. This hindered me somewhat from voting for the candidate of my choice.
They moved the door where you normally access the building for voting. I had to walk around the school to find a door that was unlocked.
This is the first time in 3 elections that the machine actually worked.
This time it went really well – not like the last time when they did not know how to set it up.
Time it took setting up and have more knowledgeable workers.
To be able to speed up the machine. I have used computer speech for twenty years. This machine moved so slowly it took me a good hour to complete, if I could have adjusted the speech I could have been done in ten minutes.
To be told there were accessible voting machines before I cast my ballot.
To have poll judges be trained on how to use the audio non visual ballot.
To have voted on a voice guided machine.
Too be treated like a person and not ignore me. Talk to me not my husband.
Too crowded in morning.
Train people on audio voting machines in advance.
Trouble with write in candidates, machine required that letters be chosen one at a time and that process was tedious and didn't give feedback as I could ascertain, as to the letter selected, during the write in process.
Trying to get information on how to vote beforehand.
Used the voting machines.
Voting on the internet.
We have a form we have to fill out for someone to assist us and the person assisting must also fill out the same form. I lobbied against this a few years ago trying to stop this practice.
Where I vote there are always 2 separate sections and the line I was in was much longer than the other....in the future decrease the waiting time.
Yes, if I had more information on candidates.
38

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
BLIND VOTERS EXPERIENCE ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Hello. My name is [ ], may I speak to _______(name on list) I am calling on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind. The NFB is conducting a survey for the US Department of Health and Human Services concerning the voting experiences of blind or visually impaired citizens. We are not interested in who you voted for, but the voting process.
NOTE: PRINTING IN ALL CAPS NOT READ ALOUD
A. Is there anyone in your household who is 18 or older and can not read regular print such as
Newspapers at a normal reading distance, even with their best corrected vision?
1 – YES [CONTINUE] 2 – NO [THANKS AND END INTERVIEW]
TIME BEGUN: ___________________
1. Are you that person?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q 4] 2 – NO [CONTINUE]
2. May I speak to that person?
1 – YES
2 – NO  2b. Why not?
GETS RESPONDENT

Repeat Introduction, SKIP TO Q 4.
back information
01 NOT AVAILABLE

Get name of appropriate person & call-
02 DEAF
03 MENTALLY DISABLED
04 MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
05 PHYSICALLY DISABLED
05 OTHER (SPECIFY)______________________
3. Are you able to speak on behalf of that person?
1 – YES 2 – NO  Ask to speak to that person
[ Get name of appropriate person & call-back Information ]
39

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
4. Just to confirm (you/they) are over the age of 18, is that correct?
1 – YES 2 – NO [THANK AND END INTERVIEW]
5. Are (you/they) able to read regular print such as newspapers at a normal reading distance with (your/their) best corrected vision?
1 – YES [THANK AND END INTERVIEW]
2 – NO [CONTINUE]
6. Are (you/they) registered to vote?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q. 9] 2 – NO [CONTINUE]
7. Did any of the following affect (your/their) decision not to register? [ROTATE] a. Confined to home or bed. YES b. Lack of access to voting material or candidate information for the visually impaired. YES c. Multiple disabilities. d. No reason just never registered. e. Not interested in politics.
YES
YES
YES f. Registration process is too difficult. g. Transportation issues. h. Visual impairment.
I. j.
Lack of required documentation material.
Wasn’t sure where or how to register.
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
8. Were there any other reasons that affected (your/their) decision not to register?
1 – YES  8b. What were they? [Specify]_____________________
2 – NO
[SKIP TO DEMOGRAPHICS INTRODUCTION]
9. Did (you/they) attempt to vote in November’s general election?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q. 12 ] 2 – NO [CONTINUE]
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
40

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
10. Did any of the following influence your decision not to vote in the general election? [ROTATE]
11. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i.
Confined to home or bed.
Lack of access to voting material or candidate information for the visually impaired.
Multiple disabilities.
No interest or didn’t like candidates.
I was discouraged by previous voting experience or attempts to vote.
Illness on election day.
Transportation issues.
Out of town on election day.
Not registered where I currently live.
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Were there any other reasons that (you/they) did not attempt to vote in the November election?
1 – YES  11b. What were they? [Specify]_____________________
2 – NO
[SKIP TO DEMOGRAPHICS INTRODUCTION]
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
12. Did you attempt to vote by mail or absentee ballot?
1 – YES  12b Why did you choose this method? 2 – NO [SKIP TO Q.14]
01 CAN’T GET TO THE POLLING PLACE
02 EASIER
03 HOME BOUND
04 MENTALLY DISABLED
05 MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
06 PHYSICALLY DISABLED
07 PREVIOUS UNSATISFACTORY EXPERIENCE AT POLL
08 WANTED TO USE MY CCTV
09 WANTED TO DO IT IN THE COMFORT OF MY HOME
10 DIDN’T WANT TO FEEL RUSHED/WANTED TO TAKE MY TIME
11 OTHER (Specify)_____________
41

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
13. Were you able to cast your vote by mail or absentee ballot?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q. 16] 2 – NO  13b. Why not?
01 DIDN’T RECEIVE MY ABSTENTEE/MAIL BALLOT
02 PROBLEM WITH REGISTERATION CARD
03 OTHER (Specify)_____________
14. Did you attempt to vote at the polls?
1 – YES
01
 14b Why did you choose this method?
EASIER
02 WANTED IT TO BE SECRET
03 OTHER (Specify)_____________
15. Were you able to cast your vote at the polls?
1 – YES
2 – NO [SKIP TO Q.16]
2 – NO  15b. Why not?
01 COULDN’T GET MACHINE TO WORK
02 DIDN’T HAVE 2 JUDGES THAT COULD VALIDATE
03 NO ONE AT POLL COULD HELP ME
04 PROBLEM WITH REGISTERATION CARD
05 OTHER (Specify)_____________
16. Did (you/they) cast your ballot on November 4 th
or did you cast your ballot earlier?
1 – NOVEMBER 4 TH
2 – EARLY
[IF CAST VOTE BY MAIL YES Q.13 SKIP TO Q. 28]
[IF CAST VOTE AT POLL YES Q.15 CONTINUE]
42

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
17. Were you offered or did you request to use an accessible voting machine?
1 – YES [CONTINUE] 2 – NO  17b. Why not?
01 I DIDN’T FEEL I NEEDED ONE
02 I DIDN’T WANT TO BOTHER ANYONE
03 I DON’T KNOW HOW TO OPERATE VOTING MACHINE
04 I REQUESTED A PROVISIONAL BALLOT
06 I HAD A FAMILY MEMBER/FRIEND TO ASSIST ME ON REGULAR VOTING MACHINE
07 NO ACCESSIBLE MACHINE AVBL. AT MY POLLING PLACE
05 OTHER (Specify)_____________
[SKIP TO Q. 26]
18. Was the accessible voting machine up and running when (you/they) arrived at the polling place?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q. 20a] 2 – NO [CONTINUE]
19. About how long did (you/they) wait for an accessible voting machine? [READ RESPONSES]
01 Less than 5 minutes
02 5-10 minutes
03 11-15 minutes
04 16-20 minutes
05 21-25 minutes
06 26-30 minutes
07 Greater than 30 minutes
20a. Did the poll workers have any problems setting up or activating the accessible voting machine?
1 – YES  20b.What problems did they have?
01 COULDN’T FIND HEADSETS
02 COULDN’T TURN SCREEN OFF
03 DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO ACTIVATE AUDIO BALLOT
04 DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO ADJUST VOLUME
05 OTHER (Specify)_____________
2- NO
43

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
21. Did the poll worker offer (you/them) clear instructions on how to use the accessible voting machine or did you not need instructions?
1 – YES [CONTINUE] 2 – NO [SKIP TO Q. 23] 3 – DIDN’T NEED [SKIP TO Q. 23]
22. Do you feel the instructions given by the poll worker were too complicated, too simplistic, or just right?
01 TOO COMPLICATED
02 TOO SIMPLISTIC, OR
03 JUST RIGHT
23. Did (you/they) experience any problems with the accessible voting machine while casting (your/their) vote?
1 – YES  23b. What problems did you encounter?
01 COULDN’T CHANGE SELECTIONS
02 COULDN’T REVIEW SELECTIONS
03 COULDN’T ADJUST AUDIO SPEED
04 UNABLE TO ADJUST VOLUME
2 – NO
05 UNABLE TO TURN MONITOR OFF
05 OTHER (Specify)_____________
24.
Were (you/they) able to cast a secret ballot on an accessible voting machine?
1 – YES [CONTINUE] 2 – NO  24b. Why not?
01 NO WORKING ACCESSIBLE MACHINES
02 WORKERS COULDN’T OPERATE MACHINE
03 COULD NOT FIND HEADSETS
04 MACHINE WAS NOT IN A PRIVATE AREA
[SKIP TO Q 26]
05 FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WITH ASSISTANCE
06 OTHER (Specify)_____________
25. When you used the voting machine did you use large print, regular print, or audio non visual?
01 LARGE PRINT
02 REGULAR PRINT
03 AUDIO NON VISUAL, OR
04 VOLUTEERED RESPONSE (Specify)____________
44

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
26. Did (you/they) cast (your/their) your ballot independently or with the assistance of poll judges, with the assistance of a family member or friend, by provisional ballot, or some other way?
01 INDEPENDENTLY
02 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF POLL JUDGES
03 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND
04 PROVISIONAL BALLOT
05 SOME OTHER WAY
 26b. How did you cast your ballot? (Specify)____________
27. We are interested in how (you/they) feel about the following statements. I would like you to indicate how you feel about each statement by choosing from these descriptions: Very Strongly Disagree, Strongly Disagree, Neutral, Strongly Agree, or Very Strongly Agree.
ROTATE
Very
Strongly
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree Neutral
Strongly
Agree
Very
Strongly
Agree a. I was treated with the same dignity as other voters. 1 2 3 4 5 b. I was given the same privacy as other voters. 1 2 3 4 5 c. I was treated like I lacked the capacity to vote. d. I was rushed. e. I was treated with respect. f. Poll workers made me feel like I was a bother. g. I was treated as if I was incapable of voting independently.
5
5
1
5
1
4
4
2
4
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
4
2
4
1
1
5
1
5
28. How satisfied were (you/they) with (your/their) voting experience overall? [READ RESPONSES]
05 Very Satisfied
04 Somewhat satisfied
03 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
02 Somewhat dissatisfied
01 Very dissatisfied
45

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
29. What would have improved (your/their) voting experience?
_____________________________________________________________________________
30. Was this (your/their) first voting experience?
1 – YES [SKIP TO Q. 32] 2 – NO [ CONTINUE]
31. Compared to your previous experience voting, would you say this time the process was better, the same, or worse?
01 BETTER
02 THE SAME, OR
03 WORSE
32. Given (your/their) experience will (you/they) vote again?
1 – YES [CONTINUE] 2 – NO [SKIP TO DEMO INTRODUCTION]
33. Would (you/they) vote using the same method or a different one?
1 – SAME [CONTINUE] 2 – DIFFERENT  33b.What method would (you/they) use?
01 AT POLL INDEPENDENTLY USING AN ACCESSIBLE VOTING MACHINE
02 AT POLL WITH ASSISTANCE OF JUDGES
03 AT POLLING PLACE WITH ASSISTANCE OF FRIEND/FAMILY
04 BY MAIL
05 OTHER (SPECIFY)__________
I have a few final questions to help us analyze the results of this data.
34. Have you ever attended a training session on using an accessible voting machines?
1 – YES [ SKIP TO Q. 36] 2 – NO
35. Would you be interested in attending a training session on those?
1 – YES 2 – NO
36. Can (you/they) read Braille?
1 – YES 2 – NO [SKIP TO Q. 38]
46

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
37. At what age did you learn to read Braille?
____ YEARS OLD
38. In which of the following age groups do you fall? Are you.. [READ RESPONSES]
01 18-24 years
02 25-34 years
03 35-44 years
04 45-54 years
05 55-64 years, or
06 65 and older
39. What racial-ethnic heritage do (you/they) primarily consider (yourself/themselves)? [READ RESPONSES]
01 Caucasian 04 Latino, or
02 Black or African-American
03 Asian
05 Some other?(Specify)_________
06 REFUSED
40. What was the highest level of schooling (you’ve, they’ve) had the opportunity to complete?
01 LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL 05 MASTERS DEGREE, OR
02 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
03 SOME COLLEGE/TECHNICAL SCHOOL
04 BACHELORS DEGREE
06 POST GRADUATE
07 REFUSED
41. How would you describe your current employment status? Are you…
[READ RESPONSES]
01 Employed Full Time
02 Employed Part Time
03 Retired
04 Not employed, (I am disabled/they are disabled), or
05 Unemployed, but looking for work
06 Unemployed, student
47

Appendix: Telephone Questionnaire
42. What was (your/their) total household income in 2007 before taxes? Was it …
[READ RESPONSES]
01 Under $15,000
02
03
$15 - $25,000
$25 - $35,000
04
05
06
07
08
$35 - $50,000
$50 - $75,000
$75 - $100,000
$100,000 or more
DON’T KNOW
09 REFUSED
43. What is your 5 digit home zip code? ___ ____ ____ ____ ____ DK/RF
44. OBSERVE GENDER OF RESPONDENT: 1 – MALE
[ ASK Q43 ONLY IF SPEAKING WITH A CARE-TAKER]
2 – FEMALE
45a Is the person we have been speaking of male or female?
1 – MALE 2 – FEMALE
b. CONFIRM NAME OF RESPONDENT:_______________________________________
Those are all the questions I have. Thank you for your help and have a nice day.
46. Member number from list:____________
TIME ENDED:___________ DATE:__________________ INTVR:_______________
48